Morocco's Renewable Energy Ambitions and the Noor Atlas Initiative
Morocco is steadfast in its commitment to derive over 52% of its installed electrical capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030. This ambitious objective is exemplified by two significant developments in the national energy infrastructure: the launch of the "Noor Atlas" program and the awarding of major projects Noor Midelt 2 and 3 in August 2025. These initiatives are designed not only to enhance the country’s carbon footprint but also to bolster grid stability through the implementation of advanced storage technologies.
With the signing of the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) between the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (Masen) and the National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), the Noor Atlas program has officially commenced. The program entails the construction of six solar power plants, boasting a total installed capacity of 305 MW, strategically located in key regions including Aïn Béni Mathar, Boudnib, Bouanane, Enjil, Tata, and Tan-Tan.
According to official sources, the financing for this ambitious project will be supported through a combination of low-interest loans from Germany's KfW and the European Investment Bank (EIB), along with commercial funding from the Bank of Africa. The plants are expected to become operational by July 2027, aiming to improve service quality at the regional level and ensuring a sustainable technology transfer through collaboration between Moroccan and European companies.
Technological Shift: From Solar Thermal to Photovoltaics
A pivotal aspect of this latest phase is the technological shift occurring at the Midelt site. While the pioneering Noor Midelt 1 project predominantly relied on Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology—storing heat in molten salt—the Noor Midelt 2 and 3 projects signify a transition towards photovoltaic (PV) systems combined with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Each of these awarded projects will have a peak output of 400 MW and a storage capacity of 602 MWh. This technological evolution is seen as a response to the decreasing costs of PV modules and batteries. The hybrid system is designed to inject up to 230 MW of power into the grid during peak evening consumption, significantly enhancing the flexibility of the national electricity network compared to traditional solar installations.
The expansion is backed by stakeholders with considerable economic and political influence. The contract for Noor Midelt 2 and 3 has been awarded to a consortium led by ACWA Power, a major player in the global energy sector, significantly backed by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The local partner in this consortium is Nareva Holding, a subsidiary of Al Mada, the private investment fund of the Moroccan royal family, led by King Mohammed VI. This unique blend of international investment strength and local institutional support enabled the consortium to outperform strong European competitors, such as France's EDF and Spain's Iberdrola.
However, the awarding of the contracts to a consortium with close ties to the national economic elite has sparked discussions within the industry. While Masen insists that the decision was based solely on technical and economic criteria, observers, including reports from Medias24, have pointed to potential "oligopolistic tendencies." There are concerns regarding whether the awarding structures favor actors already deeply entrenched in the regulatory and political framework of the country.
Ultimately, the success of the Noor Atlas and Noor Midelt projects will be measured by whether the promised reduction in energy costs and the anticipated energy independence are indeed realized for the end consumer.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
